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| Site Map | Why Choose Us | Pricing | FAQ |
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What is an Apostille | |||
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An Apostille, also called an Apostille Certificate,
is sort of like an international notary stamp.
When a document is to be used in a foreign country, it may be necessary to authenticate the vaildity of the Document.
Most foreign countries require documents to be authenticated before the Documents will be accepted as valid in the foreign jurisdiction. An Apostille attached to a document legally verifies the signature and the position of the official who has executed, issued or certified a copy of any document. An Apostille does not validate the contents of the document. An Apostille only validates the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. |
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Origins of the Apostille | |||
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In 1981 a number of countries got together and agreed to some conventions for conducting international business.
Representatives of the countries met in The Hague, Netherlands, and the agreements that were signed became known as the Hague
Convention of 1981.
Part of the Hague Convention has to do with easing the process of using valid documents from one country in another country. Prior to 1981 the process of validating foreign documents could be cumbersome, expensive and slow. Countries that signed the Hague Convention have agreed to recognize valid documents issued by other signatory countries if those documents are authenticated by the attachment of an internationally recognized form of authentication known as an Apostille. The Apostille ensures that documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid in another signatory country. | |||
Countries that accept an Apostille | |||
What is the Apostille Process | |||
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First, the document must be notarized or certified.
If a document was issued by a local government agency, then it is probably certified.
The Secretary of State can take a certified, or notrrized, document and attach the Apostille. You can then show the document to a foreign government and it should be accepted as legitimate. If the document was not certified by a local government agency, it is still possible to get an Apostille. First, you have to get the document notarized. You can appear in person in a notary's office and testify that the document is true and correct, and the notary will affix their seal. The Secretary of State can then take the notarized document and attach the Apostille. If you are in a foreign country and need a document notarized, it may still be possible. You can ask the body that issued the document to send a new copy directly to the notary; that way the notary knows it's legitimate. You may be able to get the Secretary of State to notarize the document and then attach the Apostille. This can be a time-consuming and cumbersome bureaucratic process. |
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What kinds of Documents can PCF process for an Apostille | |||
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PCF can get an Apostille for most certified or notarized documents in any state.
We may be able to procure certified copies for some documents - generally those issued by a public agency. For some documents you will have to show up in person to get them. For other documents we may need you to sign an affadavit giving us permission to get the document on your behalf. There are many different kinds of documents that may be Apostilled. Each state has specific requirements for certain documents. If a document is missing anything that is required by the Secretary of State, that document will be rejected. PCF may be able to compile your documents to comply with the requirements of the Secretary of State, however, in some cases you may need to compile your own documents personally. If you are not sure exactly what the state requirements are for your specific document you should check with the Secretary of State. If you want PCF to compile your documents, the charge for this service is a miinimum of $400 and may be more depending on specific requirements. |
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Apostille for Corporate Documents | |||
We can quickly process the following Corporate documents in any state.
This includes obtaining certified copies from the appropriate state agency as well as an Apostille
from the Secretary of State.
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How much does it cost to get an Apostille | |||
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PCF can handle every step of the Apostille process for any certified or notarized document in any state.
Our standard Apostille Services fee is $250. That's the total cost. There are no hidden fees. |
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Our Apostille fee includes:
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If you're ready to order an Apostille Online now click the Continue button |
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| If you have any questions call us toll free at 1-877-438-4626 | |||
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| PCF, Inc. is not a lawyer or an accountant and provides only entrepreneurial services under your supervision. *48 hour incorporation and 24 hour certificates of good standing in Featured States only. Expedited processing may require additional state fees. Disclaimer Copyright © 2003- PCF, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |